By Joseph M. Ricco IV
The Peninsula School District in Pierce County, Washington, is at the center of a federal lawsuit after a high school football rivalry game took a dangerous turn. During the 2023 “Fish Bowl”, an annual showdown between Gig Harbor and Peninsula High Schools, a late hit on Gig Harbor’s quarterback left him with a broken jaw and temporary paralysis. The lawsuit claims that Peninsula High’s football program encourages overly aggressive play and accuses the district of failing to ensure proper medical care at the game. This article takes a closer look at the allegations and the broader questions this case raises about safety and accountability in high school sports.
Background and Allegations
The Fish Bowl is one of the biggest high school football events in Pierce County, Washington. It’s a heated rivalry game between Gig Harbor High School and Peninsula High School that draws thousands of fans each year. The 2023 game, however, ended in controversy. A late hit on Gig Harbor’s quarterback left him with serious injuries, including a broken jaw and temporary paralysis. He reportedly lost feeling in his legs for several hours after the game, and his family is now suing the school district over what happened.
According to the lawsuit, this wasn’t just an isolated incident. The quarterback’s family claims that Peninsula High’s football program has a history of encouraging aggressive and dangerous play. The complaint points to head coach Ross Filkins, who is also the school’s athletic director, saying he created a culture where targeting and injuring players—especially quarterbacks—was tolerated or even encouraged. The suit also includes a screenshot of a social media post allegedly shared by Filkins, celebrating the late hit, which the family argues reflects a harmful mindset within the program.
The lawsuit also raises questions about how the school district handled safety during the game. Shockingly, the injured player didn’t receive medical attention for nearly 30 minutes, as emergency responders were busy with another situation. The family also says the district failed to make sure there were enough medical staff on-site, which caused an unsafe delay in treatment. They argue that this lack of planning put their son at even greater risk and reflects a pattern of negligence when it comes to student-athlete safety.
Implications for Safety and Accountability
This lawsuit raises questions about safety and accountability in high school sports. The claims of a “culture of aggression” at Peninsula High School certainly highlight concerns about whether winning is being prioritized over player safety. Schools also have a responsibility to create an environment where competition doesn’t come at the cost of young athletes’ well-being. If the allegations are true, this case could push districts to rethink coaching practices and take a closer look at how they oversee athletic programs.
The issue of medical preparedness is another major focus of the case. The alleged delay in treatment for the injured quarterback points to the risks of inadequate planning for emergencies at high-contact sporting events. For schools, ensuring proper medical coverage isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. Depending on the outcome, this case may prompt districts nationwide to reevaluate their safety protocols to avoid similar situations and the potential legal fallout.
Closing Thoughts
The allegations against the Peninsula School District raise difficult but necessary questions about how high school sports are managed. This case is not just about one injury or one game—it’s about the responsibility schools have to protect their athletes and promote a safe environment. As the lawsuit progresses, it will likely spark important conversations about safety protocols, coaching practices, and the broader culture of high school athletics. Whatever the outcome, this case serves as a reminder of the risks young athletes face and the steps schools must take to keep them safe.
Joseph M. Ricco IV is a junior sport management and government double major at the University of Texas at Austin. Joseph is actively involved as a Texas Longhorns football recruiting operations intern and currently works with Pro Football Focus as a data collector. He also has experience as a training camp operations intern with the Kansas City Chiefs. Joseph aims to leverage his sports management and legal knowledge to pursue a career in football administration.
References
Grant, H. (2024, November 5). PCVA law files lawsuit against Peninsula School District following violent incident at a high school football game. Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC. https://www.pcva.law/news/pcva-files-lawsuit-against-peninsula-school-district-following-violent-incident-at-a-high-school-football-
Henry, C. (2024, November 1). Family of football player injured in 2023 Fish Bowl sues peninsula school district, coach. Gig Harbor Now. https://www.gigharbornow.org/news/education/fish-bowl-lawsuit-2023-parents-sue-peninsula-school-district-coach-ross-filkins/
Swaby, N. (2024, October 30). King 5 Seattle – youtube. king5. https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/football-players-injuries-lawsuit-against-peninsula-school-district/281-cbcf2eea-7663-4b0d-b124-107ea1cd0c5e
